Crystal Palace will take on Rayo Vallecano in their first European final after a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park and a 5-2 aggregate Conference League semi-final victory over Shakhtar Donetsk helped the Eagles book a place in Leipzig.
Ismaila Sarr put the tie beyond doubt after Shakhtar had teased a comeback when Eguinaldo’s super effort cancelled out his side’s own goal.
With the 50th win of his Palace reign, the outgoing Oliver Glasner has set up a potential fairy tale farewell after presiding over the most successful spell in the club’s history. In the space of a year, Palace have the chance to add the Conference League trophy to a cabinet that includes the FA Cup and Community Shield.
The Eagles can also find some solace in the fact that on the same night they reached the final, Nottingham Forest were dumped out of the Europa League by Aston Villa.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s acrobatic effort hit the post
Forest had played a part in Palace being denied a spot in the Europa League by UEFA despite winning the FA Cup last season.
Palace enjoyed a largely untroubled evening, with Glasner reverting to the same side that had earned the 3-1 advantage in the first leg. Shakhtar had threatened early on but it was Palace that had the sharper cutting edge.
Yeremy Pino had found the net, with a clinical finish, after just nine minutes, but his effort after running onto a Jean-Phillipe Mateta flick-on was ruled offside following a VAR check.
Daniel Munoz’s efforts led to Palace’s opening goal, though, with the Colombian first on the scene after Adam Wharton’s strike was saved.
His drilled effort took a nick off Pedrinho and flew past Dmytro Riznyk, but Eguinaldo found the top corner to draw Shakhtar level on the night, and give them renewed hope in the tie, in the 34th minute.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s acrobatic attempt cannoned off the post before the half-time whistle, but just seven minutes after the restart, Sarr scored his 19th of the season and ninth in the competition to make absolutely sure for the Eagles.
The stage in Leipzig is now set, with Palace taking on Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, May 27.
The match kicks off at 8pm UK time and is being held at the Red Bull Arena, the home of Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, with a maximum capacity of around 60,000.
More to follow…
What’s coming up for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace return to Premier League action on Sunday, May 10, against Everton, live on Sky Sports; kick-off at 2pm.
Sunday 10th May 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
